Cost Estimating Services (HUD CDBG Homeowner Rehabilitation Grant Assistance Program) - Addendum #1

The City of East Orange is actively seeking qualified professional Cost Estimating Services for its crucial HUD CDBG Homeowner Rehabilitation Grant Assistance Program. This document, Addendum #1, clarifies various aspects of the Request for Proposals, emphasizing the core responsibilities of the selected contractor. The scope of work primarily involves compiling detailed scopes of work for individual homeowner rehabilitation projects, subsequently submitting these to the Program Coordinator for further processing. A critical component of this service includes comprehensive project management, requiring mandatory site visits to ensure project adherence to specifications and maintaining transparent communication with homeowners throughout the rehabilitation process. The estimator's role is focused on technical estimation and project oversight, distinct from supplying contractor paperwork or submitting architectural plans. Prospective contractors for these vital Cost Estimating Services are expected to possess strong capabilities in project management and cost estimation, particularly within the context of residential rehabilitation programs. While this addendum does not specify explicit licensing requirements such as the NJ Public Works Contractor Registration, familiarity with HUD CDBG guidelines and homeowner assistance initiatives is highly advantageous. The City of East Orange has indicated a preference for working with a single, dedicated professional for this role, rather than a large team, acknowledging that project volumes fluctuate monthly, historically ranging from one to six project approvals per month prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. A mandatory pre-proposal conference was convened on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., during which essential questions were addressed, leading to the clarifications provided in this addendum. The final deadline for the submission of proposals for the Cost Estimating Services (HUD CDBG Homeowner Rehabilitation Grant Assistance Program) is scheduled for Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. A significant instruction from this addendum is the mandatory replacement of the original Proposal Cost Form/Signature Page. Proposers must discard the initial form and instead utilize the revised version, which now requires fee submissions structured on an 'Hourly Fee' basis and a 'Per Job Fee' basis, replacing the previously requested 'Flat Annual Fee' and 'Monthly Fee' options. Submissions should clearly present these revised fee structures for an initial one-year period, with the City reserving the option to extend the contract for two additional twelve-month terms. For any further inquiries or concerns regarding this Request for Proposals, interested parties should contact Lisa L. Jackson directly at (973) 266-5162. This addendum does not mention any requirements for bid security or performance bonds.